Mushfiqur bags Masters degree in History

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim has followed up his Man of the Series performance in the ODIs against West Indies with another notable achievement: he has completed his Masters degree in History from Jahangirnagar University. It's a rare accomplishment for top professional cricketers and Mushfiqur, who was accorded a reception by the university on Sunday, has said he hopes to set an example for his younger team-mates so that their futures are more secure.

After finishing school and college from BKSP, he joined the university in 2007 and has now completed an honours and masters. The specialisation in the latter was in contemporary South Asian history, and he finished with an impressive CGPA of 3.49. According to Mushfiqur, it wasn't a solo effort as his classmates and teachers ensured he didn't miss anything while playing for Bangladesh.

"This degree is a huge honour for me," Mushfiqur said. "Apart from my efforts, I would give credit to the university teachers and my friends who guided and assisted me. I couldn't attend most of the classes, and had to take notes from my friends while the university authorities made sure my attendance wasn't an issue.

"The teachers also considered my attendance issues because my cricket commitments didn't allow me to attend regular classes. I also had to work extra hard but whenever possible, I went for classes and took the exams."

Mushfiqur's degree is a major boost for him personally and a source of inspiration for cricketers in the country, especially the younger ones. It goes to show how education and an international career can be managed in Bangladesh where most cricketers abandon their studies to pursue the game professionally.

As a result, Mushfiqur wants to stress on the importance of education in the young players' lives, though he believes it is ultimately a matter of choice. "Cricket is just a part of life, there's nothing more important than education. I think it should be a message to our younger fans.

"Everyone has their own philosophy in life, and if they want to study I would say it is their choice. It is not easy to handle both. I always encourage those younger than me that they must take their education seriously."

Mushfiqur described the scramble ahead of exams, most of which he had to appear in isolation as he would usually miss the scheduled dates. "You wouldn't believe it but when I was returning from tours, I had to study at planes and airports, because I had exams the following day.

"Between matches maybe everyone else was free to roam around whichever country we were playing in, but I had to take notes and stay back in the hotel to study. But my team-mates were nice, they never teased me."

He found inspiration from within his family and also from Kumar Sangakkara, especially the manner in which the Sri Lankan cricketer has carried himself over the years. "It is appreciated that someone like Sangakkara's sports personality is shaped by his education. He is obviously an inspiration.

"After I had completed my Higher Secondary Certificate exam, I didn't want to pursue studies but I was reminded of its importance. My family encouraged me, told me not to give up on studies. They are very proud of me and I am inspiring my younger brothers and sisters in the family by doing two things at a time."

In future, Mushfiqur hopes to work closer to his sport than history, saying that the degree has taught him many lessons about life. "I have to give cricket a lot of time but I learned a lot by going through the process of graduating, and I want to do an MBA or a PhD, preferably on something close to cricket so that I can add that to my current profession."

congrats captain Tiger! knowledge is power! you have set an example...proper education is just not about finding a job or make living out of it. its about gaining knowledge that will have a positive impact on your mentality and thinking ability. you are a thinking captain and your thirst of learning will make you even a bigger person...proud of you.

ExtremeSpeed
on December 26, 2012, 0:53 GMT

Excellent! he must of been so proud once he heard the news really happy for him. Now he will be even more happier and confident come the new year so he can lead the Bangladesh Cricket team to new heights. He becoming more wiser now and the few important experience guys in our team. It was him and Mahmudullah that managed to hold the team together in the series win over West Indies and along with our other experience guys Tamim, Shakib, Mahmudullah, Razzak and Mortaza, can guide the new young guys so that they are not under pressure and our 11 can perform to their ultimate best and deliver Bangladesh many more wins. People criticise Rahim as a captain but just allow the guy plenty of time so he can do the best for the team.

on December 25, 2012, 7:43 GMT

Kudos. Education gives you a different perspective in life and helps you become a well rounded person. All the best.

Warm_Coffee
on December 27, 2012, 11:43 GMT

It must have been so difficult for him to study on planes and in airports but the key thing we're missing from here is that he still had the 'desire' to achieve a masters despite missing so much class and has a sporting career brilliant!

on December 27, 2012, 11:14 GMT

@getsetgopk...lolz good effort but failed as Mr Rakibul stole my words. Hard to swallow that a Bangladesh captain achieved such a feat isn't it? don't be jealous :P :)

on December 27, 2012, 11:04 GMT

I must say that Education is the Backbone of a Country. And it should not be surprising why bangladeshi players cannot speak in english or why our country cannot grow up. It will be a great inspiration for the youngsters and they i guarantee that now mushfiq will play far better than before and even if he quits cricket he can do something with this certificate in life. WELL DONE!!!

on December 27, 2012, 10:24 GMT

Its good for him and for us. Good Luck Mushfiq..........

on December 27, 2012, 9:27 GMT

Congratulation Mussi!! hope you can do better in future.

M_Rakibul_Islam
on December 27, 2012, 6:53 GMT

@ getsetgopk: lol. How can u tell he hasn't bagged anything on the cricket after wining ODI series against current T20 World champ WI & being Asia Cup runner up? In fact he was Man of the ODI series vs WI.

getsetgopk
on December 27, 2012, 4:58 GMT

Good for him, he's not bagging anything on the cricket field so he and his BD fans might just enjoy this piece of news LOL

on December 26, 2012, 13:18 GMT

congrats captain Tiger! knowledge is power! you have set an example...proper education is just not about finding a job or make living out of it. its about gaining knowledge that will have a positive impact on your mentality and thinking ability. you are a thinking captain and your thirst of learning will make you even a bigger person...proud of you.

ExtremeSpeed
on December 26, 2012, 0:53 GMT

Excellent! he must of been so proud once he heard the news really happy for him. Now he will be even more happier and confident come the new year so he can lead the Bangladesh Cricket team to new heights. He becoming more wiser now and the few important experience guys in our team. It was him and Mahmudullah that managed to hold the team together in the series win over West Indies and along with our other experience guys Tamim, Shakib, Mahmudullah, Razzak and Mortaza, can guide the new young guys so that they are not under pressure and our 11 can perform to their ultimate best and deliver Bangladesh many more wins. People criticise Rahim as a captain but just allow the guy plenty of time so he can do the best for the team.

on December 25, 2012, 7:43 GMT

Kudos. Education gives you a different perspective in life and helps you become a well rounded person. All the best.

Warm_Coffee
on December 27, 2012, 11:43 GMT

It must have been so difficult for him to study on planes and in airports but the key thing we're missing from here is that he still had the 'desire' to achieve a masters despite missing so much class and has a sporting career brilliant!

on December 27, 2012, 11:14 GMT

@getsetgopk...lolz good effort but failed as Mr Rakibul stole my words. Hard to swallow that a Bangladesh captain achieved such a feat isn't it? don't be jealous :P :)

on December 27, 2012, 11:04 GMT

I must say that Education is the Backbone of a Country. And it should not be surprising why bangladeshi players cannot speak in english or why our country cannot grow up. It will be a great inspiration for the youngsters and they i guarantee that now mushfiq will play far better than before and even if he quits cricket he can do something with this certificate in life. WELL DONE!!!

on December 27, 2012, 10:24 GMT

Its good for him and for us. Good Luck Mushfiq..........

on December 27, 2012, 9:27 GMT

Congratulation Mussi!! hope you can do better in future.

M_Rakibul_Islam
on December 27, 2012, 6:53 GMT

@ getsetgopk: lol. How can u tell he hasn't bagged anything on the cricket after wining ODI series against current T20 World champ WI & being Asia Cup runner up? In fact he was Man of the ODI series vs WI.

getsetgopk
on December 27, 2012, 4:58 GMT

Good for him, he's not bagging anything on the cricket field so he and his BD fans might just enjoy this piece of news LOL

on December 26, 2012, 12:55 GMT

Mushi is nothing sort of a genius. I have seen him playing for his department in Jahangir nogor university last week.. such a wonderful person he is.. I remember he acheived Golden A+ from arts department during his HSC. He is a talent you dont see everyday.. I am a big fan...

on December 26, 2012, 12:21 GMT

Nice to see at least younger generation tends to get a good education now. Good luck Mushfiqur.

on December 26, 2012, 11:54 GMT

Congratulations Mushfiq.. wish u all the best..

Sidath346
on December 26, 2012, 10:25 GMT

Many congratulations Mushfiq!! This is an example not only for the young Bangladeshi cricketers but also to other budding sportsmen the world over. Only few do studies and sports at the same time. All the best for an awesome future.
From a Sri Lankan fan.

anver777
on December 26, 2012, 6:01 GMT

Very well done Rahim !! Its not easy to concentrate on both.... keep shinning !!!

farab
on December 26, 2012, 5:02 GMT

Year 2020. Dr. Rahim has attended the conference on "Education for younger cricketers " at BKSP. (Breaking News) .

on December 26, 2012, 3:31 GMT

Excellent achievement. Well done to Rahim.

on December 26, 2012, 1:04 GMT

Nice to see him excelling in both sport and academics. Congrats Mushfiqur

on December 25, 2012, 22:31 GMT

i dont know what good a history degree can do, but well done. I wudve encouraged a degree on physical fitness or nutrition or sth like that which cud translate into a cricketing coaching career.

OptimusPrimal
on December 25, 2012, 20:09 GMT

Very hearty congratulations Mushfiqur Rahim from a Pakistani fan. You seem to be one of those players who have a thinking mind. You've done well for your country and yourself by diversifying your future options. I hope to see you doing well even after your cricket playing days.

ExplicitPlatinum
on December 25, 2012, 19:18 GMT

Congratulations from a Pak fan ! Hope you gain more success in the future in education and in cricket ! You're also a fantastic captain too !

Lol....so how is it related to cricket ? Tomm d news wud be Mushfiqur is thinking to study more and thinkin of a course abroad..."Cricinfo" get some life...We expect you to post info regarding cricket and not wat he / she are doing in other fields!

Ibra95
on December 25, 2012, 17:02 GMT

Congratulations Mushfiq for ur achievements, but continue to work hard, then u'll have a good spot in ur life, I want to hear Dr. Mushfiq in cricket!!! =D

Captainman
on December 25, 2012, 16:41 GMT

Happy for him!, getting a masters in history requires you to read a lot, I'm really proud how he devotes his time seems to enjoy it a lot.

i_amVIVA
on December 25, 2012, 14:33 GMT

WOW, splendid achievement by a cricket giant. Waiting to see a Dr. Mushfiq in the near future. Fantastic news and inspiration for all the youngsters.

tofazzel
on December 25, 2012, 13:26 GMT

Congratulations Mushfiqur Rahim

on December 25, 2012, 13:26 GMT

Congratulations to Captain Mushfiqur Rahim on this great achievement..I hope he pursues a PhD in future!!

TheRisingTeam
on December 25, 2012, 12:44 GMT

Now that is something you want to hear for Cricket that although someone may be having a successful sporting career especially in a long game like Cricket which takes a lot of your time, you can still get other things done and to be getting a mastery degree in a very difficult subject like history is truly astonishingly. This will obviously set a big example to many kids out there and inspire them to achieve the same and these critics say Bangladesh haven't brought anything wonders for the great game of Cricket huh take a bow.

on December 25, 2012, 12:30 GMT

wow! that's pretty impressive especially for an amazing subject like history. I've always been telling fans of other teams read HISTORY so you don't say foolish of things, such an important yet interesting subject. Our little captain Rahim is respected by many people dearly very fun lad and wish the 24 year old well and help continue to deliver success for the Bangladesh team, he's maturing and becoming very experience now cheers.

Purbo23
on December 25, 2012, 12:20 GMT

Congrats and all the best

on December 25, 2012, 12:10 GMT

Congratulation,Captain!!!
Leading from top:)

on December 25, 2012, 11:37 GMT

- Lecturer, Independent University Bangladesh.

on December 25, 2012, 11:34 GMT

Congratulations Mushfiq!! May Allah help you achieve greater things in life, you have set an amazing example for the young generation.

on December 25, 2012, 11:26 GMT

Congratulation. Its a great achievement.

on December 25, 2012, 11:09 GMT

This guy was a bright student we knew it and now it has been proved again, CGPA 3.49 is awesome.

awesome....Thumbs Up Mushfiq.....I hope u can now guide d youngsters in ur team like Gazi,Nasir,Anamul,Abul,Mominul etc

on December 25, 2012, 8:59 GMT

good job..you deserved to have it ..

on December 25, 2012, 8:56 GMT

congratulation captain.....best luck with
phD

Tipu606
on December 25, 2012, 8:29 GMT

great !! congratulations!! he is perhaps Bangladesh's best gentleman cricketer.Now he should get married.

SpitFire
on December 25, 2012, 8:19 GMT

I thought he just passed, but CGPA of 3.49 is quite impressive!
Congratz Mr. Captain!

Sinhaya
on December 25, 2012, 7:58 GMT

Well done and congratulations! Phenomenal achievement!

humi_cric
on December 25, 2012, 7:40 GMT

I like Bangla captain very much because of his simplicity, can't control emotions (as most of the people of this part of the world, a true representation). Still remember his face (laughing) while hitting sixes against India in Asia cup and had tears after loosing the final against PaK. Congratulation Bro (From Pakistan), hope you will take your team to deserving position (in the right direction).

swat1999
on December 25, 2012, 7:36 GMT

Congratulation and wel done Mr.Mushfiqur. Very good example for all young cricketers. Seems he is very punctual and briliant. Wel done Mushfiqur

Bilal94
on December 25, 2012, 7:31 GMT

Now people should call Mufiq "Professor" instead od Hafeez

saifur.raffael
on December 25, 2012, 6:39 GMT

Thumbs Up Mushfiq.....I hope u can now guide d youngsters in ur team like Gazi,Nasir,Anamul,Abul,Mominul etc. 2 follow ur footsteps,,, d educations is also important ...wid d higher studies u can be much more involved wid cricket and media (commentary) after d retirement............

on December 25, 2012, 6:33 GMT

Respect. Congratulations to him.

Cpt.Meanster
on December 25, 2012, 6:14 GMT

An educated man will ALWAYS find respect everywhere in this world. Education is an investment. Well done and congratulations Mushfiq.

khurdum
on December 25, 2012, 6:04 GMT

Congratulations. Thanks to almighty Allah for helping you achieving highest degree from the University. I hope you would be able to guide the team towards further prosperity. Let the Allah be with you always.
For mankind, specially for Muslims, after every achievement it is the Allah who should be praised first. I know you have done the same also. Because i have seen ur father in the field praying for you constantly during matches.
Before deciding to go to pakistan, please take advice from ur parents. If they say no, don't go. BCB trying to push you in danger situation for personal benefit but u don't have anything to achieve personally. Without ICC clearance, should not decide to visit pakistan of their own. If something goes wrong, ICC will not shoulder any responsibility for mishaps. Let ICC give clearance and arrange matches with other countries also.

halimran
on December 25, 2012, 5:14 GMT

Congatulation bro.....................

Khaled_Shahed
on December 25, 2012, 4:58 GMT

Congratulations to Mushfiq. You, indeed, achived something very special and rare...I salute for your commitment. My experience was..I left cricket long ago to follow my professional career..because I did not have courage to continue both. Had you set this example 15 years ago, someone like me could have followed your path.

on December 25, 2012, 4:58 GMT

He got master in History when another little Master now part of history

on December 26, 2012, 13:18 GMT

congrats captain Tiger! knowledge is power! you have set an example...proper education is just not about finding a job or make living out of it. its about gaining knowledge that will have a positive impact on your mentality and thinking ability. you are a thinking captain and your thirst of learning will make you even a bigger person...proud of you.

ExtremeSpeed
on December 26, 2012, 0:53 GMT

Excellent! he must of been so proud once he heard the news really happy for him. Now he will be even more happier and confident come the new year so he can lead the Bangladesh Cricket team to new heights. He becoming more wiser now and the few important experience guys in our team. It was him and Mahmudullah that managed to hold the team together in the series win over West Indies and along with our other experience guys Tamim, Shakib, Mahmudullah, Razzak and Mortaza, can guide the new young guys so that they are not under pressure and our 11 can perform to their ultimate best and deliver Bangladesh many more wins. People criticise Rahim as a captain but just allow the guy plenty of time so he can do the best for the team.

on December 25, 2012, 7:43 GMT

Kudos. Education gives you a different perspective in life and helps you become a well rounded person. All the best.

on December 25, 2012, 4:58 GMT

He got master in History when another little Master now part of history

Khaled_Shahed
on December 25, 2012, 4:58 GMT

Congratulations to Mushfiq. You, indeed, achived something very special and rare...I salute for your commitment. My experience was..I left cricket long ago to follow my professional career..because I did not have courage to continue both. Had you set this example 15 years ago, someone like me could have followed your path.

halimran
on December 25, 2012, 5:14 GMT

Congatulation bro.....................

khurdum
on December 25, 2012, 6:04 GMT

Congratulations. Thanks to almighty Allah for helping you achieving highest degree from the University. I hope you would be able to guide the team towards further prosperity. Let the Allah be with you always.
For mankind, specially for Muslims, after every achievement it is the Allah who should be praised first. I know you have done the same also. Because i have seen ur father in the field praying for you constantly during matches.
Before deciding to go to pakistan, please take advice from ur parents. If they say no, don't go. BCB trying to push you in danger situation for personal benefit but u don't have anything to achieve personally. Without ICC clearance, should not decide to visit pakistan of their own. If something goes wrong, ICC will not shoulder any responsibility for mishaps. Let ICC give clearance and arrange matches with other countries also.

Cpt.Meanster
on December 25, 2012, 6:14 GMT

An educated man will ALWAYS find respect everywhere in this world. Education is an investment. Well done and congratulations Mushfiq.

on December 25, 2012, 6:33 GMT

Respect. Congratulations to him.

saifur.raffael
on December 25, 2012, 6:39 GMT

Thumbs Up Mushfiq.....I hope u can now guide d youngsters in ur team like Gazi,Nasir,Anamul,Abul,Mominul etc. 2 follow ur footsteps,,, d educations is also important ...wid d higher studies u can be much more involved wid cricket and media (commentary) after d retirement............

Bilal94
on December 25, 2012, 7:31 GMT

Now people should call Mufiq "Professor" instead od Hafeez

swat1999
on December 25, 2012, 7:36 GMT

Congratulation and wel done Mr.Mushfiqur. Very good example for all young cricketers. Seems he is very punctual and briliant. Wel done Mushfiqur

humi_cric
on December 25, 2012, 7:40 GMT

I like Bangla captain very much because of his simplicity, can't control emotions (as most of the people of this part of the world, a true representation). Still remember his face (laughing) while hitting sixes against India in Asia cup and had tears after loosing the final against PaK. Congratulation Bro (From Pakistan), hope you will take your team to deserving position (in the right direction).